Doctors could face unwanted advances from their patients (Picture: Alamy)

Doctors are being warned they could face ‘unwanted advances’ from their patients as Valentine’s Day approaches.

The medical workers could be pursued during the romantic period, which could lead to serious professional problems, according to the Medical Defence Union (MDU).

The organisation’s medico-legal adviser Dr Claire Macaulay said: ‘Most people wouldn’t associate passionate feelings with the consulting room but there are a few patients who misinterpret a doctor’s behaviour and try to move the professional relationship on to a more romantic footing.’

The union added the problem wasn’t being helped by the fact people could sometimes contact their care professionals using social media.

The MDU advised doctors to make sure they remained professional at all times so they could avoid potentially being ‘stalked or harassed’.

Dr Macaulay added: ‘The best way for doctors to avoid becoming the object of a patient’s inappropriate affections is for them to maintain clear professional boundaries with patients and be wary of sharing personal information during appointments.’